Pumpkin Facts

Halloween Album Growing Pumpkins Pumpkin Recipes Halloween Mushrooms Pumpkin Pictures Types of Spiders

Pumpkin pictures and information are in big demand during Halloween and Thanksgiving. Here are some interesting facts.

Pumpkins, along with other members of the squash family originated in Central and South America. They are now grown around the world.

Any pumpkin over one thousand pounds can be considered a record setter. Currently a Rhode Island gardener holds the record for largest pumpkin grown. In 2007, his pumpkin weighed in at 1,689 pounds. The pumpkin was an Atlantic Giant variety.

Pumpkin seeds can be easily washed and then dried in a dehydrator. They can be stored in cool, dry places for a couple of years. If you prefer using an oven, try the Baked Pumpkin Seeds recipe.

Pumpkins are big business. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, in 2008, New York led the United States with over $38 million dollars with of pumpkins grown. Ohio, Illinois and California came in next with approximately $22 million dollars worth of pumpkins grown, followed closely by Pennsylvania with $20 million dollars worth of pumpkin production.

Under proper conditions, pumpkins can be stored between two and six months.

Most people can keep an uncut pumpkin on their porch from Halloween through Thanksgiving without spoilage concerns.

© 2007-2009 Patricia A. Michaels